Belt Sander...

[steve_b]

Looking for recommendations on a belt sander. General home and project use.....can I mount to a table? (on it's side?) so I can 'profile' shapes (if this is what it is called) or lay on it's back for smaller parts (if possible).

Suggestions?

Regards

[dbhost]

For doing the "flat sanding" on a table as it seems you are talking about, I would say look into the Ridgid EB4424 oscillating edge belt / spindle sander...

For handheld use... Not sure. Don't currently have one. Been drooling over the Bosch and Hitachi models though. The Ryobi seems okay, the B&D and Skil seem to get lots of bad reviews...

[cabinetman]

Having had several brands, I would recommend Porter Cable. I have 3"x24" and 4"x24", and use the 3" mostly. They can be clamped/supported for bench type use, but you have to make sure the belt clears, and it won't come loose. That type of use isn't outlined in the owners manual.
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[tseavoy]

I have a Sears 3"X21" belt sander I have had for years. I guess you could clamp it down. If you just put the handle in a vise, the vibration will loosen it.
I have no complaint with the Sears.

Tom on Marrowstone

[Knottscott]

I've been pretty happy with my Hitachi SB75B. ReconSales has it for $61 minus 25% thru Father's Day.

[Sawatzky]

Porter Cable for sure! I have the variable speed 3x21". I bought it used and the variable speed option does not work too well, but I don't really see a need for it. Great sander, and it tracks very well.

[tfischer]

For doing the "flat sanding" on a table as it seems you are talking about, I would say look into the Ridgid EB4424 oscillating edge belt / spindle sander..

I have it. I love it. It gets used in just about every project (be it a shop jig or something 'real') I do...

[vaking]

I have a Ryobi 3x21. It is the same sander that was sold some time ago by Sears under Craftsman name. It has flat top, so you can put it upside down on a bench and use as stationary belt sander. Also it has some threaded holes that can be used to mount it in various positions if you make a base for it. I made a primitive holder and now can mount it in any positions in a vise. If I want to get inventive I can probably make a tool rest for it as well. So far did not have the need.

[Richard in Smithville]

I have a 3x24 Makita that I clamp to my work bench with bar clamp( rubber ends). I get by using it on edge to sand shapes. To do this I have a 12 x 18 plywood( roughly) that is clamped to the work bench. The sander is clamped down to this board. In front of the sander is another board ( attatched to the bottom board) to use as a table. It raises your work to the height of the sanding belt.

It's not perfect but then I don't live in a perfect world either.

[Pappy]

I have used and owned several different model/brands. When my last Craftsman bit the dust (spun a bearing and destroyed one side of the plastic housing, which can't be bought as a replacement part) I bought a PC 352VS.

This is a 3 x 21 sander that is hands down the best sander I have ever used. A well balanced sander. The metal body makes it durable and gives it enough weight that it will work a horizontal surface with no downward pressure added yet light enough that you can work on a verticle surface without wearing your arms out. This will likely be the last belt sander I will ever buy.

[steve_b]

Thanks for the notes, I'll try to find who might carry the PC 352VS in my neck of the woods (Ontario Ca.)

[mpc]

Anybody have any comments on this combination?
DeWALT sander plus frame stand

I noticed it while walking the isles of my local Woodcraft. I've never really looked at it since I have a belt sander and the Ridged EB4424 oscillating belt+spindle sander.

mpc

[germdoc]

I am a big fan of the Bosch 3x21. I was going to write an ode to it in fact, because it is my favorite "unsung" tool--nothing fancy, but I use it on virtually every project.

It is extremely well-balanced and fairly light weight--can sand flush with no problem. From time to time I clamp it to my workmate to use as a stationary sander. It is not a power hog, so I wouldn't use for massive removal of material, but it is perfect for the cabinetmaker. The platen is very flat. Dust removal is very good, as well.

There is a stand and fence available for it that I haven't felt the need to get yet. I got my reconditioned for (as I recall) a bit over $100. Highly recommended.

[cabinetman]

It is not a power hog, so I wouldn't use for massive removal of material, but it is perfect for the cabinetmaker.

Thanks for the suggestion. I find the 3x21 easy to handle, but I prefer 3x24 and 4x24 (PC brand).
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